Hot Summer Slump Security Tips

Hot Summer Slump Days are approaching and here are a few reminders of what to look for and how to handle a summer slump security situation.

•     Clothes are a requirement here at RPL and this includes shoes. Not wearing shoes is a safety hazard. Ask the patron if they have a pair with them, if not let them know the hours of operation and that they are welcome back once they get a pair.

•     Shorts are allowed BUTT cheeks aren’t. Ask the patron to cover themselves. Nudity is not allowed here at RPL.

•     No sagging pants. Ask the patron to pull up their pants by a hand motion or you can verbally inform them about the rule.

•     No HOOD/HOODIES are allowed to be worn up inside the library. Ask the patron to pull down their hood with a simple hand motion or you can verbally inform them about our No Hoods Up rule.

•     No food or consumption of food is allowed inside the library. The exceptions are library programs or groups using our meeting rooms. But, food cannot be removed from program areas or meeting rooms and consumed elsewhere in the building. If someone walks in licking on their ice cream cone inform them of this policy and ask them to finish eating their ice cream outside. We do not “hold” or “store” food for customers while they are in the library.

•     No sleeping on library property. Some folks come to the library to escape the heat but while they are here they must be utilizing library resources or services.

•     No smoking on library property. This covers the use of all tobacco products including snuff, dipping/chewing tobacco, vaping devices, electronic cigarettes/Cig-a-likes and pods.

•     No hanging around outside on library property with no purpose.  This is called loitering. If a patron is waiting for a ride they are welcome to wait inside.

•     Know the Unattended Child Policy. We are not a daycare.

                    Children 8 years of age or younger are to be “attended” by a parent or other responsible caretaker (16 years or older) during their entire visit to the library.

                    A child 8 years or younger who is attending library sponsored programs need not to be accompanied by a parent or caretaker during the program. However, the parent or caretaker is expected to remain somewhere in the library for the duration of the program and must be present at the doors of the program when it is over.                          

                    Children 9-11 years of age must have a parent or caretaker (16 years or older) somewhere in the library.

•     Only 11-17 year olds are allowed to hang out in the TEEN AREA. This is in effect during all operational hours. Noise volume is okay to rise in this area, but teens must follow library policies. Inappropriate behavior such as cursing or physical contact are not allowed. Teens must be respectful to staff and other patrons. Adult tutors cannot tutor teens in this area. If patrons complain about the noise level please explain that this area is provided for teens to gather and sometimes noise levels will rise. Assist the patron in finding a more suitable area to work.

Feel free to contact me for more tips on how to deal with security situations. 

Loud conversation

1. Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

The Rowan Public Library Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement applies not only to our patrons but also to RPL staff as well. We too can be disruptive to our patrons.

Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

1. Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

The Rowan Public Library Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement applies not only to our patrons but also to RPL staff as well. We too can be disruptive to our patrons.

Knowing The Policy Series - Loud conversation, or noise:

Do you know Rowan Public Library's

 Disruptive Behavior Policy Statement???

For the next coming weeks I will be highlighting them on the Security Tips Blog.

Any comments or questions you may have you can email me at:

 Greene, Tara J <Tara.Greene@rowancountync.gov>

1. Loud conversation, or noise, including use of cell phones, electronics devices, etc. which is disturbing to other library users;

Here are some examples on how to handle if someone is violating this policy:

1.  Loud conversation

If a patron is being loud and disruptive, walk over to the patron and politely ask them to lower their voice. 

Another approach is to say to the patron, "You probably didn't realize how loud your conversation is.  Do you mind lowering your voice?"

9 out of 10 times when you approach someone who is being disruptive, they will be apologetic and comply. Most of the time patrons are not aware of how loud they are talking, and some may have disabilities that may cause them to speak in a high tone. 

This policy also applies to staff. If you and coworker are speaking in a loud tone, you may also be disruptive to library users.

2.  Cell Phones

Cell phones are prohibited in the Computer Lab and History Room

If you see or hear someone using their phone in these areas, you should immediately walk up to the patron and say, "You probably didn't know that we have a no cell phone policy in the Computer Lab or History Room, so you will need to step out of the Computer Lab or History and finish your call."

If a patron's phone rings in either of these areas, you can ask them to silence their phone. 

Cell phones are allowed in all other parts of the library, but if a patron's phone conversation is or becomes disruptive, you can ask them to step outside with their phone.

Know this policy and be confident in enforcing it!

 Knowledge = Confidence